Protecting Your Pet: What You Need To Know

At Compare by Review, we wanted to better understand how the public approach pet insurance and how this can impact our beloved companions – so that’s exactly what we did!

 

Within this research project, we’re tackling some of the most prominent questions that come attached to our pet insurance shopping habits by; surveying the UK public, compiling a critical analysis and starting conversations with trusted veterinary establishments. This includes what we look for in a policy, where we find our insurance options and how our chosen insurance policies can affect our pet’s overall care - as well as presenting expert insight from industry-leading professionals. 

 

 

We surveyed hundreds of UK pet owners to distinguish what prospective pet owners need to understand when considering their insurance options. This included the cost of pet ownership, the process of purchasing pet insurance and the consequences of a poorly chosen policy. 

 

Here’s what we uncovered:

 

 

Like any cause and effect relationship, the obvious way to improve the overall outcome is to investigate the cause and make some level-headed adjustments. At Compare by Review, it’s our understanding that insurance is too often purchased on price alone, with individuals often solely relying on price comparison websites, rather than customer experience and this may mean our much-loved pets don’t receive the level of cover they need and deserve. Not only does this leave our pets uninsured but it additionally means that we will need to dip into our pockets should we come to claim.

 

To help combat this issue, we recommend that individuals change their methodology when sourcing an insurance provider. So, instead of opting for providers at the top of a price comparison search alone, we should be searching for a provider who has proven value and excellent customer reviews.

 

And, of course, we’re not the only ones that think this way. In fact, our survey identifies that 72% of people only buy pet insurance if the reviews are good!

 

 

 

The type and breed of your pet could have a significant impact on the level of care they require. For example, cats are often cheaper to insure than dogs. And, as certain breeds are more susceptible to certain conditions, they often carry a higher insurance cost. 

 

A common example that we see time and time again is through Brachycephalic breeds - such as Pugs, French Bulldogs or British Bulldogs - which have relatively short muzzles and noses. This means that the throat and breathing passages are often smaller and/or flattened. As a result, these breeds can often suffer from life-limiting conditions that can be costly to treat and, in some cases, require corrective surgery. 

 

The risk arises when pet owners are not aware of health problems such as these prior to getting their pet and then find themselves struggling to source a comprehensive insurance option at a reasonable price. Should this happen, and should pet owners find themselves without an adequate insurance option, specific breeds could miss out on the cover they need. 

 

To better demonstrate how pet insurance costs can be impacted by breed, we’ve put the following table together:

 

 

Of course, we know that this can all be a bit confusing at first glance which is why we always recommend speaking to a vet for advice on healthy breeds or using the Puppy Contract if you’re buying a puppy - to ensure you get one that is happy, healthy and well-socialised from a responsible breeder.

 

 

 

It’s no secret that your pet’s specific condition can have an impact on the cover your insurer provides, but are you aware of just how significant this can be? For example:

 

• Pre-existing injuries or illnesses – if your pet has a pre-existing condition, it’s likely that the particular condition won’t be covered by a standard policy.
• Routine and preventive treatment – whilst it might seem essential to you, many insurers will not cover costs for treatments such as; vaccinations, spaying, worm and tick treatments, grooming or dental treatments.
• Pregnancy and birth – With most standard policies, any pregnancy or birthing care is often not included. 

 

Whilst this can be a scary thought, it needn’t be. At Compare by Review, we encourage all individuals to take the time to read and fully understand their policy options - as well as research past customer experiences through reviews. This way, you can enter an insurance agreement with full transparency and peace of mind.

 

 

“People underestimate the importance of taking the time to find an adequate pet insurance policy. It’s all well and good purchasing a policy, but if it doesn’t provide you with enough cover for vet fees, you could be left paying thousands out of your own pocket.” - Mark Gordon, CEO at Compare by Review

 

“There is no NHS for pets and it can be expensive to keep one. We always recommend that owners seek advice from a vet if they have any questions or concerns. Advances in veterinary science and technology mean that a range of techniques and treatments are now available to save and restore animals to health. However, these treatments can be costly and, as with human medicine, costs are likely to be higher in emergency and out-of-hours situations due to higher overheads.” - Mandy Ryan, Head of Media and Public Affairs, British Vet Association

 

“In my experience pet owners often have no idea what they have or haven’t signed up for and have limited knowledge on insurance. It seems that the only thing most people are concerned about is the monthly cost and not the limits on cover or what is included in the policy.” - Lorna Mitchell - Practice Manager at House & Jackson LLP

 

Purchasing Pet Insurance for Peace of Mind 

 

Like the 72% of people who only buy pet insurance if the reviews are positive, Compare by Review understands that insurance is about more than cost alone. It’s our view that consumers should stop and consider their purchase with care - taking into account their pet’s age, breed and potential conditions. Only then can the UK’s pets all receive the cover and level of care that they deserve!